Domination in America, Starting from being a Boxing Champion-Chapter 817 - 591: Praise Like a Tidal Wave
By October, Lionsgate Films released their third film for the fall, "American Sniper," and Link, who starred in the movie, could only pause his training to join the press tour.
At the outset, "American Sniper" was shown in four theaters in New York and Los Angeles, earning $2.51 million at the box office over two consecutive weeks, with an astonishing average of $44,800 per theater, making it the highest-grossing limited release film of the year.
The film received positive reviews, with many professional critics acknowledging Link's performance. He was praised for not only portraying the personality and habits of an ace sniper but also the emotions of a killer, creating a powerful and influential character that is considered one of the most iconic screen images of the year.
Variety said his acting surpassed his performance in last year's "Gone Girl," suggesting he has a strong chance to be nominated for an Oscar next year for this role.
The New York Post commented that in this Clint Eastwood-directed film, which takes a detached view of the Iraq War, Link's nuanced performance created a credible character.... The film's consideration of the character's physical and psychological aspects is astounding, making it seem real and believable because of Link's detailed portrayal.
The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a vivid and intense narrative, depicting a tragedy that befalls a war hero, making one inevitably see it as a companion piece to "The Hurt Locker."
The media generally scored the film 91, with 22 media outlets giving it over 95 points, a fresh rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes supported by 63 people, and an audience grade of A on Yahoo.
It is indeed one of the high-quality films of this year.
Due to the favorable reviews, the film began a large-scale release throughout North America in its third week after its limited opening, earning $89.26 million in its first three days across 3,555 theaters, marking the best opening box office for all non-franchise, non-animated films released this year.
In its second week of wide release, it expanded to 3,885 theaters, surpassing $200 million in North America within just 12 days, becoming Lionsgate's ninth film to break the $100 million mark at the box office.
Internationally, due to the nature of the subject, the film was not widely released. Starting in October, it was gradually released in 68 countries and regions, breaking $100 million in the first week of release and surpassing $200 million internationally within 26 days.
In the North American region, the cumulative box office surpassed $300 million in just 20 days of wide release, making it currently the fifth highest-grossing film, and the first non-franchise, non-animated live-action film.
Even though it was released during the less active fall season, the film's reputation and popularity exceeded Link's previous starring roles in movies like "Avengers," "Captain America," and "The Expendables."
Many media reviews declared it the best film of Link's career, saying that "American Sniper" is a real man's movie crafted by three tough men: Link + director Clint Eastwood + the movie's real-life counterpart, Chris Kyle.
Unfortunately, Chris Kyle is no longer with us. Shortly after Link acquired the movie rights to "American Sniper," the autobiography, in 2013, Chris Kyle was fatally shot while trying to help a Marine veteran suffering from PTSD, who also killed a friend who came with Kyle.
The sharpshooter's death by shooting resonated deeply during the film's promotion when people heard the story of Chris Kyle.
Link also used the promotional opportunity to donate $100 million to several charities treating such mental illness and plans to include support for veterans in the charity projects of LINK Global Charity Foundation, which will benefit veterans all over the world.
Upon learning of his decision, Link's father-in-law immediately expressed his support and took the lead by donating $500,000 to the Link Charity Foundation.
Along with the father-in-law, Taylor, Paul Walker, O'Neal, Selena, Chris Paul, Hoyle, Elon Musk, and numerous other entertainment and sports celebrities also donated, and within less than a year, the foundation received a total of $120 million in donations.
Although the Link Charity Foundation does not rank among the top 50 in its category, it has gained significant recognition and helped increasingly more people over five years of development, and donations have rapidly increased.
Since 2010, LINK Global Charity Foundation has received a total of $380 million in donations and is becoming increasingly powerful, aided by profitable investments, promising an even stronger future.
"American Sniper" has performed very well at the box office and received positive critical responses. Many film critics believe Link is eligible to compete for the Best Actor award at the next Oscars—a great news for Link but not for everyone.
"Link, congratulations on making a good movie."
Leonardo said with a complex expression in a coffee shop while playing cards, his voice somewhat sour.
"Thank you! Actually, all the movies I've starred in have been good. There hasn't been a bad one, 'American Sniper' is just slightly above the rest."
Link sat to the side watching the others play cards, taking a sip of his iced coffee.
"So the 'Deep Sea Quest' you starred in is also a good film?"
Leonardo retorted.
"Leonardo, be careful with your words, don't hurt others by mistake. What you meant to say is 'Deep Sea Quest 2.'
Paul Walker reminded him.
Because he was the male lead in the first Deep Sea Quest.
"I was a supporting actor in 'Blue Sea 2,' and besides, it's a leisure movie, not so bad in quality."
Hearing Leonardo bring up "Blue Sea 2," Link laughed, reminiscing on this movie he shot in 2008 when he had just entered the film industry without much acting skill, whereas now he is a Berlin and Cannes Film Emperor, a three-time nominee for the Golden Globes for Best Actor, a truly seasoned and talented actor.
